Longmeadow police still seeking info about older man who approached young girls by town park, made 'puppy' remark

LONGMEADOW — Police haven't indicated what they intend to do if they locate an older white man who approached two girls late Wednesday afternoon and inquired if they were "looking for a puppy." But they're asking anyone with information about the man, or who may have witnessed the incident, to contact them.

It's unclear if the man — described as being in his 60’s with balding gray hair, a gray goatee and wearing a short-sleeved gray T-shirt — might face any charges. The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. near Bliss Park, a popular town recreation spot featuring a playground, sports fields and hiking trails. The park typically is busy at that hour, particularly on sunny days.

The man reportedly approached two 10-year-old girls and made the puppy remark, but no further advances, according to Longmeadow police Capt. John Stankiewicz. "They did the right thing and they responded appropriately," he said, adding that the girls walked away and told their parents about the encounter.

The man was reportedly driving a white box truck, but police were unable to locate the vehicle. No similar incidents were reported to any other area police departments, according to Stankiewicz.

Police are asking anyone with information to call them at (413) 567-3311.

The episode coincided with the start of the new school year, and authorities are cautioning parents and guardians to be on the lookout for suspicious behavior and to remind children about the dangers of speaking to strangers.

Meanwhile, Longmeadow has four Level 2 sex offenders living within its borders, while neighboring East Longmeadow has eight Level 2 offenders and one Level 3 offender, according to the state's Sex Offender Registry Board. Level 3 offenders are considered the most predatory, or most likely to re-offend, while Level 2 offenders pose a moderate risk of re-offending. Level 1 offenders are the least likely to re-offend.

By comparison, Springfield, which borders both Longmeadow and East Longmeadow, has 195 Level 3 offenders and 379 Level 2 offenders. However, the city, population 153,000, has roughly 122,00 more residents than Longmeadow and East Longmeadow combined.